Primary and Secondary Mesenteric Lesions

The mesentery and omentum are formed by reflections of the peritoneum and serve the purpose of supporting and protecting the bowel. Because of their intimate relationship with the bowel and other abdominal and pelvic organs, the majority of pathologic processes that affect the mesentery and omentum represent secondary spread of disease. Although rare by comparison, primary mesenteric lesions should be radiographically differentiated from secondary lesions. This CME activity not only will discuss both primary and secondary disease processes that affect the peritoneum but also will outline CT imaging features that can help the radiologist to provide a differential diagnosis.